QuickRead: A competency framework for governance

In January 2017, the Department for Education published a competency framework for governance.

The framework is non-statutory, and is aimed at governing bodies in maintained schools, and academy boards of trustees. It should be read alongside the Governance Handbook, and the Academies Financial Handbook.

It is designed to help governing bodies identify their own strengths and areas for development. Governors should consider which areas of the framework are most important in the context of their own school, and with regard to the particular challenges faced by their governing body.

Principles and personal attributes

The competency framework is divided into two sections. The first addresses the personal qualities and principles that underpin effective governance, which all members of the governing body or board of trustees should have.

This section forms the main part of the competency framework. It outlines the knowledge and skills required by governors, arranged under